Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on June 20, 2008, 05:56:40 PM
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Here's the parts coming together in assembly:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/52878.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/52879.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/52880.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/52881.jpg)
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Hi Mica,
Any updates on the bass?
Thanks,
Shoji
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And glued together, getting ready for routing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/55294.jpg)
And some closeups of the wood:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/55295.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/55296.jpg)
It's so hard to show how beautiful the wood is. Even the closeups can't do it justice.
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Shoji, that quilted coco bolo looks awesome! This bass will look great sitting next to the Red Tiger.
Mike
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With some finish, it looks even better:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56962.jpg)
Some closeups to try and show the lovely grain:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56963.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56964.jpg)
Rays and logo inlaid, finish sanded here ready for the next coat of spray:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56965.jpg)
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The intricate detail of the patterns in the grain makes it look like hand painted artwork! Stunningly beautiful!
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Hi Mica,
Any updates?
Thanks,
Shoji
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Your bass is in final cure now.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/58400.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/58401.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/58402.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/58403.jpg)
It will probably be at least a week before we can rub it out, but all the finish application is complete.
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!
One day, Il will have my Stanley replica .... congatulations, very nice!!
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Shoji,
Saw your bass in person Monday. It is very nice. Much better in person than in pictures.
Dave
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Mica,
Thanks for the stunning pics, but I'm wondering if there seems to be no holes for LED switch and stereo/mono switch as we discussed earlier.....
Shoji
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Those holes are drilled by hand in the setup room. You'll see them when the bass is getting set up.
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That logo is stunning. What shell has been used to inlay the dragon and alembic?
Graeme
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It's abalone, but what an amazing piece! It's dynamic and changes appearance drastically when viewed from differing angles.
Also, I love the ripple-effect abalone in the rays. Cosmic!
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Thanks Mica. I'm very surprised as I've only ever seen abalone as a blue shell.
Graeme
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Love the logo inlay!! Wow!
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Hi Mica,
Any updates?
Thanks,
Shoji
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Such a beautiful bass - simply wonderful!
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That's what I REALLY would like!!
A small bodied Series for a small guy.
Absolutely beautiful!!
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RedTiger has a winner
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It's quite likely that this bass will get rubbed out before the end of the week.
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Hi Mica,
New pics, please!
Thanks,
Shoji
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Mica,
Any updates?
Shoji
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Rubout and buffing came out fantastic!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/61537.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/61538.jpg)
Need to get setup and the electronics calibration. There's currently three basses in line for the final calibration, but at least 2 should be completed before your bass is ready for Ron.
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Mica,
How's the setup going?
Shoji
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It's next in line for the electronics calibration and we're waiting for the backplates to come back from the gold plater. They were rejected when we got them back the first time.
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Mica,
How's the backplates going?
Shoji
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Just checked and they aren't on the back of your bass. I'll ask tomorrow and see what's going on.
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Sensational bass, Shoji!
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Mica,
What's going on?
Shoji
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The headstock on this instrument is awesome . I really like that beveled detail. And the ALEMBIC logo is about the nicest that I have ever seen ! Congratulations !
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Very nice logo indeed!
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I love the logo and inlays on this instrument. Stunning.
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Mica,
Thanks for lots of stunning pics!
That was much more than I expected, and brought me back from the edge of starvation.
Jumped up for joy, love the logo surrounded with beveled edge, and deeply detailed colorful inlays......
Can't wait to see my baby!
Again, thanks Mica for your time and efforts.
Shoji
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I'm speechless!!
One (if not)of the best custom Alembics I've ever seen!!!!!!!!!
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Simply amazing!!!
I love all these features! The wood grain is beautiful, the inlays are wild and colorfull, the peghead is amazing, a very beautiful bass! Congrats!!!
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Imagine waking up in the morning and finding this object next to the coffee machine...
One thing for sure, you wouldn't need any coffee that day...
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I can imagine already you tracking the package on the Ups Website every 5 minutes....damn push that accelerator !
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Even if I lived in the hidden mountains of New Guinea, I would travel to Santa Rosa to get that bass!
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Mica,
Still waiting for my baby.
How is the shipment going?
Shoji
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Wow, Shoji. You've got some inlay!
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Mica,
When is my baby scheduled to be shipped?
Shoji
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It's all boxed up, and it's ready to go! I'm guessing that the release date will be Monday the 17th.
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That's probably the most beautiful small-body Alembic I've ever seen - the top wood, the inlays, the logo, the bevelled peghead - simply gorgeous - congrats Shoji! Worth the wait!
K.
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Mica,
I am still waiting for my bass. Do you know where it is now?
Lately I checked with Miami Vintage Guitars, and they said Alembic would ship it directly to me.
But one thing I worry about is whether if you know my new address in NAGASAKI that I notified Miami Vintage Guitars last year.
Wondering if it lost its way at my old address?
Shoji
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Wow, that bass is just gorgeous. Cocobolo is such a beautiful wood visually.
Jazzyvee
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We were confused about the address, but got the right one from Emi. Mary will email you the tracking number of the shipment and so you can watch its progress on its way to you. The bass will leave here either today or tomorrow. Not much longer now!
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Mica,
Thanks for the prompt and relevant action.
Shoji
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Mica,
Still waiting for the bass, no email from Mary.
Any updates?
Shoji
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Mica,
The bass has arrived today, but one problem.
Plugged in to DS-5R, but LEDs were not turned on. Then I took a look carefully, and noticed that they were on but extremely dim.
How shall I adjust them? Any idea or technical advice would be greatly appreciated.
Shoji
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The plates arrived today - they look very nice. So as soon as dad finishes Kevin's guitar, he'll do the work on your final calibration.
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It is simply wonderfull how wood comes to life when the finish is done
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Mica,
How's the calibration going?
Shoji
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ONE year to build your bass ??? what the matter ???
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Pierreyves,
Thanks for asking, but it's already ONE and HALF year since I placed the order.
I have no idea why it takes so long.....
Shoji
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you have no idea...you are really very very patient !!! not possible .. if I place order, I wan't my bass at the latest 6 month.
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I would like to weigh in on time from order, to the customer while I have my morning coffee...
I live in California USA, and perhaps out the gate, people might be ready to throw eggs at me by the time I am done, but I will share anyway...
But let me just say, patients is indeed a luxury for me, and I wouldn't have it any way when it comes to a luxurious fine built instrument as an Alembic. I can understand we live in a the Atomic and Digital Age, where we are told fast is good or when we have to wait in long line to register our car(s), or even shopping for groceries and there's carts in front of you with a million things to get processed, before the checker can serve you -- We all been there... So, I am not talking about patients from this perspective, because shopping for food, and other societal are common, and almost a daily occurrence. There should be a better way, and perhaps, a combination of technology, and lifestyle changes can help. From a lifestyle perspective, maybe buying groceries at off peek hours might be best, just as a simple basic example, if waiting is not your thing.
Ok, just a moment while I put on my rain gear and face masks...
There are Alembic basses that could be purchased at an Alembic dealer(s) today. So, if you are short on the time, it takes to build a guitar, then, buying an alembic from the racks of vendors are available.
I personally was surprised of the array of colors and woods that are available, and in some cases, some of them may had taken from months, to years to build, and they are brand spanking new and ripe for the pickings.
So, if speed is your thing... look at what Alembic dealer(s) have available.
Ok, now I am zipping my wet suit firmly...
Anybody who orders a custom Alembic... (as with anything custom...) The more things you add in the basket; the longer it will take to process.
As someone who is also waiting for a custom bass, I looked for my Alembic at dealers first, and because my requirements were different in terms of body design, I feel blessed for having Susan and Mica there for me with an open minds, ears and hearts.
Also, who wants a rushy built Alembic? (I don't think they do that anyway...)
If Alembic staff wants to spend more time looking at perfecting my bass, all the better. This is what I mean by a luxury... My bass is getting papered with precision and excellent.
The longer the bass stays in school (at Alembic), the righteous sounds it will make...
Hal-
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People love to speak favorable about; how long something took to make, like when it comes to customized and wonderful things they own...
Maybe there is a irony, if the same people wanted those great things rushed...
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Some basses simply take longer than others to complete. This one has been difficult behaving in the finish department.
I'm hoping very much that we will be shipping this bass to you this month. But we never know the exact date until it's in the box and out the door.
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Mica,
Any pics?
Shoji
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Mica,
Any updates?
Shoji
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incredible.....
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Why 'incredible' pierreyves? If I was having another custom built I'd want Alembic to spend as long as it takes to get it perfect. we all know that it sometimes can take a long time to craft one of these instruments, especially if interesting custom options are added in to the equation. As it's a series bass, it needs to be calibrated by Ron Wickersham himself and I'm given to understand he's a very busy man.
graeme
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read redtiger posts.
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I have. You seem to forget that this forum isn't Mica's main business. Running a busy instrument manufacturer and making sure Shoji's instrument is perfect is.
Patience.
Graeme
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If I have learned anything from FTC threads, it's that good things come to those who wait.
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Isn't that what Hanibal Lector said in silence of the lambs before he ate someones face off.
Jazzyvee
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Shoji,
When you get your bass (in hands), you will find a beautiful virtue in the time it took to create it.
Know that your bass is with its creator and who would be better qualified to know what is best than the Alembic team?
You have a good problem my friend...
Many people would hope and dream, for the realities you embarked today. I am happy for you, and I hope others an opportunity to wait for something as meaningful and special as a quality instrument that is built to withstand the test of time... My current Alembic is over 30 years old, and still kicks undisputed ass against any other brand out there...
Peace-
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Your bass is now the very next one that my dad will do the calibration on:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/66447.jpg)
So I think it's likely we'll be coordinating the shipping before the end of the month.
It's absolutely beautiful!
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It sure is that! Congratulations Shoji, Play it Healthy!
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Ohhhh, she's so beautiful, I got to sing a Standard...
A one ana two...
Chi-gumm Chi-goom goom goom...
Be wise. Be fair. Be sure. Be there. Behave. Beware.
Be wise, be smart, behave, my heart
Don't upset your cart when she's so close
Be soft, be sweet, but be discreet
Don't go off your feet, she's to close for comfort
Too close, too close for comfort, no, not again
Too close, too close to know just when to say when
Be firm, be fair, be sure, beware
On your guard, take care, while there's such temptation
One thing leads to another
Too late to run for cover
She's much too close for comfort now...
Enjoy the journey with her...
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Beautiful Bass!
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Mica,
Thanks for the pic, but more pics would be deeply appreciated to see neck inlays.
Shoji
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Shoji,
That is a beautiful bass! Congrats. Trust me, you will forget all about the wait time once it is in your hands. Like others have already said, Alembic is a small company producing unmatched, custom instruments. Also coco bolo does not always respond to the finishing process as they hope on the first try. I believe this is due to it's oil. Have faith that Alembic will create the best possible bass they can for you.
Now if you really want to wait a long time for a bass, try ordering a new Rickenbacker! And those are assembly line basses with no custom orders with a much longer wait.
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Mica,
How's the calibration going?
Shoji
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It's... complete! I hope to have some more pictures for you later today, and a report after I get a chance to play it.
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I just love this bass!
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Mica,
Still expecting the pics as you mentioned.
Shoji
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Here's some pretties!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67340.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67341.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67342.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67343.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67344.jpg)
Be prepared for a big sound.
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That is stunning! The beveled headstock is so nice. Enjoy Shoji!
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Hi Mica,
Request as follows;
nut width = 1.4(35.6mm)
each edge allowance: 0.15(3.8mm)
each string center to center at nut = 0.342(8.7mm)
each string center to center at bridge = 0.708(18.0mm)
Shoji
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Hi Shoji,
Normally we make the nut center to center spacing and the bridge edge to edge spacing. For your request above for center to center spacing at both ends, the fingerboard will be 1.40 x 2.24 inches. This will make the fingerboard wider than on the Red Tiger bass.
Please confirm that I have correctly understood your change request.
These are the computed details:
##################################################
id = shoji
scale length = 30.75
string dia. 1=.045 2=.065 3=.080 4=.105
at nut end:
fingerboard width = 1.4
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = 0.341666666666667
string center 2 to 3 = 0.341666666666667
string center 3 to 4 = 0.341666666666667
spacing between 1 and 2 = 0.286666666666667
spacing between 2 and 3 = 0.269166666666667
spacing between 3 and 4 = 0.249166666666667
at bridge end:
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = .708
string center 2 to 3 = .708
string center 3 to 4 = .708
spacing between 1 and 2 = 0.653
spacing between 2 and 3 = 0.6355
spacing between 3 and 4 = 0.6155
string edge to edge = 2.199
(projected) fingerboard width at bridge = 2.499
fingerboard width at nut = 1.4
fingerboard width at 24th fret = 2.22425
fingerboard width at 25th fret = 2.2396705325907
fingerboard length = 23.4939662212595
#######################################
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Hi Mica,
Thanks for the heads-up.
I checked with the Changes / Additions Record of the Red Tiger bass.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37159.html?1173365312 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7110)
According to your post, the 24th fret of Red Tiger is 2.25. I think the 2.25 dimension is wider than 2.22425 on this project.
Have I got you wrong?
Shoji
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Hi Mica,
Will you specify your suggestion of the bridge edge to edge spacing. That will help my understanding.
Shoji
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I've had your bass on hold while we figure out exactly what you want on this bass. I checked the file for your Red Tiger bass, and the fingerboard is 1.4 x 2.25 strung with your supplied Rotosound strings in gauges .030 .040 .060 .080. Here's how those details compute with our normal style of side-to-side spacing at the bridge:
###############################################
id = shoji's re tiger bass
scale length = 30.75
string dia. 1=.030 2=.040 3=.060 4=.080
at nut end:
fingerboard width = 1.4
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = 0.348333333333333
string center 2 to 3 = 0.348333333333333
string center 3 to 4 = 0.348333333333333
spacing between 1 and 2 = 0.313333333333333
spacing between 2 and 3 = 0.298333333333333
spacing between 3 and 4 = 0.278333333333333
at bridge end:
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = 0.705
string center 2 to 3 = 0.72
string center 3 to 4 = 0.74
spacing between 1 and 2 = .67
spacing between 2 and 3 = .67
spacing between 3 and 4 = .67
string edge to edge = 2.22
(projected) fingerboard width at bridge = 2.52
fingerboard width at nut = 1.4
fingerboard width at 24th fret = 2.24
fingerboard width at 25th fret = 2.25571519244913
fingerboard length = 23.4939662212595
###############################################
If you notice, the strings are slotted center-to-center at the nut where you aim for the center of the string when you fret a note. At the bridge end, the dimensions shift to side-to-side spacing since you generally are aiming for the edge of the strings with that hand. There is no notation on the order for Red Tiger that the spacing was ordered as spaced center-to-center at the bridge, so I'll assume that it was done in our normal side-to-side fashion. You can compare the measurements and see if the spaces between the strings are close (with a couple of thousandth of an inch) to confirm.
To make the bass like you requested at the top of this thread, the fingerboard would be 1.4 x 2.21. The details are here:
##################################################
id = shoji center to center
scale length = 30.75
string dia. 1=.045 2=.065 3=.080 4=.105
at nut end:
fingerboard width = 1.4
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = 0.341666666666667
string center 2 to 3 = 0.341666666666667
string center 3 to 4 = 0.341666666666667
spacing between 1 and 2 = 0.286666666666667
spacing between 2 and 3 = 0.269166666666667
spacing between 3 and 4 = 0.249166666666667
at bridge end:
treble edge allowance = .15
bass edge allowance = .15
string center 1 to 2 = .7
string center 2 to 3 = .7
string center 3 to 4 = .7
spacing between 1 and 2 = 0.645
spacing between 2 and 3 = 0.6275
spacing between 3 and 4 = 0.6075
string edge to edge = 2.175
(projected) fingerboard width at bridge = 2.475
fingerboard width at nut = 1.4
fingerboard width at 24th fret = 2.20625
fingerboard width at 25th fret = 2.22133377846679
fingerboard length = 23.4939662212595
##################################################
So, after all that, I need to know from you:
1. which spacing style you want on this bass (side-to-side or center-to-center at bridge) and the space dimension.
2. are you supplying strings again?
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Hi Mica,
Answers to your questions;
1. TBD
2. No
One question for you;
I still don't understand you said The fingerboard will be 1.40 x 2.24 inches. This will make the fingerboard wider than on the Red Tiger bass.
But your calculation shows the fingerboard on the Red Tiger is 1.4 x 2.25. I think that means the fingerboard on the projected bass is narrower than on the Red Tiger bass.
What did you mean by that?
Shoji
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My later restatements corrected the initial error. I mistakenly believed you had a 2.125 dimension at the 24th fret on your Red Tiger. That is why I posted the complete calculations for it.
Do you intend to ever put such light strings on this new bass?
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Hi Mica,
Okay, I will go for my original plan as follows;
nut width = 1.4(35.6mm)
each edge allowance: 0.15(3.8mm)
each string center to center at nut = 0.342(8.7mm)
each string center to center at bridge = 0.708(18.0mm)
In reply to your query, I intend to put regular gauge strings 045-065-080-105 on this new bass.
Shoji
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Hi Mica,
Request pickups closer to the neck to the same
dimensions as Dragon's Breath.
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonsbreath.html (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonsbreath.html)
Shoji
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Hi Shoji,
This change is now noted on your order.
-Mica
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Hi Mica,
Request LED Switch and Stereo/mono Switch at the same locations as Red Tiger.
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_redtiger.html (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_redtiger.html)
Shoji
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Hi Shoji,
This change is noted on your order.
-Mica
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Hi Mica,
Request 8 rays (4 rays each on right and left), all in abalone.
Shoji
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Hi Shoji,
We have this change noted on your order.
-Mica